Health data collection tool

ABSTRACT

A portable health data tool permits a health care provider to assimilate and display a plurality of health care data from a patient and to associate the data with patient identifying information all stored in a memory contained in the tool. The tool includes a code reader for reading patient information into the tool from a bar code or other coded tag. The tool is associated with a plurality of different data assimilation devices stored with the tool&#39;s housing, including but not limited to, instruments for measuring, temperature, blood pressure, two-finger or lead wire ECG data, pulse oximetry data, sound data and picture data obtained from an optional digital camera integrated within the housing. The tool further includes data receiver and/or transmitter ports, which may be wireless or cable ports, for transferring data between the health data tool and a separate computer system that stores patient records.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to the field of health care devices forgathering, displaying and transmitting health care data concerning thevital signs of a patient, particularly to portable nursing devices forgathering such data, and still more particularly to portable devicesthat provide for assimilating a plurality of different types of healthcare data, including patient identity, using a single integrated device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a medical facility such as a hospital, clinic or doctor's office, thecreation and maintenance of patient files is critical to recording vitaldata and history of a patients treatment. Patient files include patientidentifying information as well as a variety of health care dataassociated with the patient. Identifying information is routinely takenat intake of a patient and typically includes, for example, name, age,sex and insurance information, which is used to establish the base filefor the patient. In addition, routine health care data such astemperature, pulse, blood pressure and the like are typically handrecorded at or near intake and included in a hard-copy paper file. Thefile is typically physically transferred to a patient examination roomwhere further health care data and notes may be entered by a health careprovider and manually recorded into the file.

If the patient is to be admitted to a hospital, an identificationbracelet is typically created to be worn on the patient's wrist forfollow-up care, and the patient's file is transferred to the patient'sbedside. At the bedside, the file is manually updated upon periodicvisits by a physician or nurse who manually records notes and otherhealth care data into the file. Prescription and diagnosis informationis also recorded in the file. In instances before or after a significantmedical procedure such as birth or surgery, basic vital signs such astemperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oximetry,electrocardiogram (ECG) or other data pertaining the patient's body maybe continuously monitored during the patient's stay. Specializedsemi-portable monitoring instruments for obtaining and monitoring thistype of health care data are part of a hospital's inventory of equipmentthat is assigned to individual patients on an as-needed basis and rolledinto a patient's room on carts or roller stands. A large variety ofsemi-portable monitors are commercially provided by numerousmanufacturers and distributors.

Fully portable devices that do not require a cart or stand are alsocommercially available. One example of a fully portable data health caredata device provided by WelchAllyn is the SPOT VITAL SIGNS™ device thatallows a health care provider to take non-invasive blood pressure,pulse, oximetry, and arterial pressure data, and which may be configuredwith a printer for recording the data. On routine visits, or “rounds,”hard copy recordings of health care data obtained from such devices maybe periodically printed and included in the files to create a vitalsigns history. Alternatively, the health care provider may manuallyrecord such data in the file with time and date information.

In the past, day-to-day patient intake and monitoring information wasexclusively hand recorded in a paper file by a variety of health careprovider personnel. Today, health care institutions are increasinglymoving toward recording health care information in electronic patientfiles rather than in hard-copy files. In typical electronic filesystems, patient files are maintained on a centralized computer systemand patient information and health care data are entered from a varietyof distributed smart terminals positioned in intake rooms, examinationrooms and hospital rooms. The smart terminals serve as a substitute forthe hard copy files, permitting the variety of health care providers toenter and display a variety of health care information from a variety oflocations without need for physically transferring the hard copy file.

Another improvement in recent years is that monitoring devices have beenequipped with telemetry equipment to wirelessly upload health care datathrough a network of receivers that are positioned remotely from themonitors. In certain situations, such as with ambulatory patientsrequiring continuous monitoring of specific vital signs, or withambulance patients being transported to a hospital under emergencysituations, small, portable monitors with self-contained power and datatelemetry units are used to continuously record and transmit health caredata to a centralized computer system. Commercially available examplesof such portable monitors are exemplified by the Micropaq™ and Propaq™monitors provided by WelchAllyn. These monitors display ECG waveforms,heart rate, invasive or non-invasive blood pressure, temperature, pulseoximetry and respiratory data. In certain optional configurations, thesedevices can wirelessly transmits such data over a local area wirelessradio frequency network (FlexNet™). In other optional configurations,data assimilated by the monitors may be transmitted via infrared datatransmission.

While the provision of centralized electronic patient record files andportable health care data monitors equipped with telemetry options hasimproved the ease and efficiency of collecting, transmitting and storinghealth care data, there remains a need in the art to equip a health careprovider with options for integrating the collected data with patientidentification information, and for providing for additional types ofdata that can be collected using an inexpensive and fully portabledevice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a portable, multifunctional health data tool foruse by a healthcare provider. The health data tool includes a housingconfigured to be of a shape, size and weight to permit the housing to beheld in a hand of a healthcare provider. It further contains a codereader associated with the housing configured to read coded information,such as information pertaining to the patient's identity or informationpertaining to a drug or device used by the patient. The tool furtherincludes multiple input ports for different data assimilation devicesassociated with the housing for inputting different health care dataobtained from a patient into the health data tool. A display screenconfigured to display the health care data obtained from the dataassimilation devices is also provided. Finally, the tool includes a datatransmitter and a data receiver port to permit the health care data andother information to be transferred between the health data tool and aremote device that is separate from the tool.

In one aspect, the code reader is a bar code scanner that reads bar codeinformation. In another aspect, the code reader is a radio receiver thatthat receives a radio signal encoding the information. In anotherembodiment, the code reader is an optical character recognition devicethat reads character information. In yet another embodiment, the codereader recognizes a pattern of dots encoding the information.

In another aspect, the housing comprises an upper portion that housesthe display screen and a lower portion downwardly extending from theupper portion that defines a handle dimensioned to fit within the handof the health care provider. The housing may include a plurality ofstorage compartments to store the plurality of data assimilation devicesassociated with the housing. A plurality of doors providing access tothe storage compartments may also be provided to enclose the associateddata assimilation devices within the health data tool. In mostembodiments, at least one of the storage compartments should include acompartment for holding a blood pressure cuff. The blood pressure cuffstorage compartment may, for example, be configured as a slot within thehousing. In other embodiments, at least one of the data assimilationdevices, such as the blood pressure cuff, is removably attachable to thehousing by a spring actuated latch. The housing may be configured tostore an air compressor for operating the blood pressure cuff, or theblood pressure cuff may be manually operated by a hand pump.

The health data tool further includes an electronic memory associatedwith the housing to store the health care data. The electronic memorymay be configured to store health care data for a plurality of patients,typically in a database format.

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form apart hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specificexemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In thedrawings, like numerals describe substantially similar componentsthroughout the several views. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical,electrical, and other changes may be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the present invention. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of thehealth data tool of the invention including exemplary data assimilationdevices associated therewith.

FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the healthdata tool of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of ahealth data tool of the invention illustrating storage compartmentsincorporated into the health data tool.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment depictingdevice attachment clips.

FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a healthdata tool of the invention and a docking station for use therewith.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are isometric views of a belt attachment hook and a polemount, respectively, associated with one embodiment of the health datatool of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of ahealth data tool of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a front isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of ahealth data tool of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a front isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of ahealth data tool of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of another exemplary embodiment of ahealth data tool of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, “health care data” is the meaningful form of data,including at least in-part, data commonly known as “vital signs” thatpertain to the health of a patient. Typical types of health care datainclude, but are not limited to, temperature, pulse, blood O₂ level,electro cardiogram data, blood pressure, respiratory rate, appearance(such as may be recorded by a camera), sound information (such asobtained by a stethoscope) and the like.

The term “patient identifying data” refers to data that can be used toidentify a patient. Typical types of patient identifying data includesname, age, sex, and insurance information.

The term “signal data” refers to the raw signal that is received from ahealth care data assimilation device before the raw signal is convertedinto meaningful health care data by the action of a microprocessor.Typically, signal data is in the form of an amplitude or a frequency ofa voltage, a current, or optical analogues of the same, which has beentransduced from a detector that detects changes in pressure, light,sound, temperature or other measurable attribute.

The term “associated with” as used with respect to a component part ofthe health data tool (described in more detail hereafter) means that thecomponent part is physically stored in, attached, or coupled orconnected to the health data tool. The attachment or connection may befixed or removable.

FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrate front and rear isometric views, respectively,of one embodiment of a health data tool 10 of the invention. The healthdata tool 10 includes a housing 12 that houses a plurality of dataassimilation devices 40, 42, 44, 48, 50, 57 associated with health datatool 10. The housing 12 includes a lower handle 14 portion, which inadvantageous embodiments, extends longitudinally downward with respectto a front display surface 13 of the housing 12. The housing 12 isconfigured to be of shape, size and weight to permit the health datatool 10 to be held in one hand of health care provider. In typicalembodiments, the housing 12 is made of a plastic material and occupiesless than about 2 or less than about 1 cubic feet of space and weighsless than about 10 pounds, less than about 5 pounds or less than about 3pounds. The downwardly extending handle 14 and overall configuration ofthe health data tool 10 permits a health care provider to hold thehealth data tool 10 in one hand while manipulating data assimilationdevices with the other hand and simultaneously observing data that isdisplayed on a display screen 22 located in an upper portion 15 of thehousing 12. The data assimilation devices 40, 42, 44, 48, 50, 57 and thedisplay screen 22 are described in more detail hereafter.

In certain embodiments, the downwardly extending handle 14 is configuredwith an access door 9 that provides access to a hollow compartment 11.The hollow compartment 11 may be used to store one or more of the dataassimilation devices. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the hollowcompartment 11 in the handle 14 encloses batteries 13 used to power thehealth data tool 10 and, optionally, one or more of the dataassimilation devices associated therewith. As depicted in FIG. 1, thehollow compartment 11 also houses a small air compressor 16 used tosupply air through an air line 17 for automatic operation of anon-invasive blood pressure cuff 44. Of course, the batteries or aircompressor 16 may be located elsewhere in the housing 12 so long assuitable electrical connections or tubing is provided to power thehealth data tool 10 and channel air flow to the air line 17. The aircompressor 16 is not needed when the blood pressure cuff 44 isconfigured for manual inflation using a bulb.

The health data tool 10 includes a code reader 20 associated with thehousing 12 to read information pertaining to the patient. Inadvantageous embodiments, the code reader 20 is integrated into thehousing 12, although in other embodiments the code reader 20 maydetachably coupled to the housing 12. The function of the code reader 20is to read coded information associated with or pertaining to thepatient. The coded information typically includes personal informationthat identifies the patient and may also include information pertainingto drugs or devices that are to be administered or otherwise used intreating or monitoring the patient.

In one exemplary embodiment, the code reader 20 is a standard bar codereader. Typically, during an intake procedure at a health care facilitya patient to be treated or admitted is supplied with an identity tag 46,usually in the form of wrist bracelet, that includes the name of thepatient, the date of admission, the administering health care provideror other information such as insurance provider and the like. Some orall of this information may be encoded in a bar code 47 on the identitytag 46. The bar code reader 20 permits this identifying information tobe rapidly and accurately entered into the health data tool 10.

The patient may also be prescribed a drug therapy that includes a namefor the prescribed drug, a dosage and frequency of administration. Incertain cases the patient may bring a drug container to a health careprovider upon admission to a health care facility to assist in diagnosisor treatment, while in other cases the health care provider at thefacility may prescribe a drug treatment to the patient. Suchprescription information, or parts thereof, may also be encoded in a barcode associated with the container that contains the drug. The bar codereader 20 permits the health care provider to enter the relevant druginformation into the health data tool 10. Similarly, an admitted patientmay be assigned usage of various medical devices from an inventory ofdevices provided by the health care facility. These medical devicesoften include a bar code to identify the particular device for tracking,performance monitoring and inventory purposes. The bar code reader 20allows the health care provider to associate a given medical device witha given patient identification in a memory record to facilitate thesepurposes.

While the bar code reader 20 may be the most universally adopted form ofa code reader 20, it is understood that that many other embodiments ofthe code reader 20 may be associated with the health data tool 10 toprovide the same or similar functions. Another embodiment of the codereader 20, for example, is a “dot” reader that scans a pattern of dotsthat encode information. Another embodiment is an optical characterrecognition scanner that scans an image in bit form and then convertsthe scanned image into alphanumeric characters. Another embodiment is amagnetic strip reader that extracts information magnetically encoded ona data strip. Yet another embodiment is a radio frequency (RF) receiverthat receives electromagnetic waves transmitted from an RFidentification tag in which information regarding the subject isencoded. Sill another embodiment of the code reader 20 is a hologramreader that detects spectral or diffraction patterns emitted by anilluminated hologram and extracts information encoded therein form thepattern of spectral or diffraction patterns detected. Accordingly, theskilled person will understand that the code reader 20 can be embodiedin many forms and with many variations, as long as the code reader 20permits information to be extracted from a tag, card or otheridentifying device associated with a subject patient (or thing).

Turning now to the data assimilation devices 40, 42, 44, 48, 50, and 57,in various embodiments, the data assimilation devices associated withthe health data tool 10 include at least two different instruments formeasuring health care data from a patient. Example data assimilationdevices include, but are not limited to, a pulse oximeter (SPO2 meter)42 for measuring pulse rate and oxygen saturation of the blood, athermometer such as tympanic thermometer 40 for measuring a patient'stemperature, a non-invasive blood pressure device 44 that includes ablood pressure cuff for measuring blood pressure, an electronicstethoscope 48 for detecting interior sounds from the patients body, anda “two finger” electrocardiogram device 57 or an ECG lead wire set 50for recording cardiac activity thorough finger electrodes. In someadvantageous embodiments, the health data tool 10 also includes adigital camera 28 as a data assimilation device integrated within thehousing 12 for recording digital pictures of the patient.

The housing 12 of the health data tool 10 also includes one or moredevice input ports 27, 29, 31 33, and 34 configured to receive dataoutput from the data assimilation devices. 40, 42, 44, 48, 50, and 57.In certain examples, the input ports 29, 31 and 33 are particularlyconfigured to receive output from the data communication lines ofparticular data assimilation devices such as the stethoscope 48, the ECG50 and the blood pressure cuff 44, respectively. Blood pressure inputport 33 may be further configured for delivering air pressure to theblood pressure cuff 44 through air flow line 17 and to receive data fromthe blood pressure cuff 44 through data input line 19. The input ports34 may also be configured to receive data output from the ECG lead wireset 50. The input port 27 is a standard two-way input/output computerinterface port that receives a standard computer data communicationcable, such as for example, a USB cable. Various commercially availabledata assimilation devices, exemplified by the SPO2 oximeter 42 depictedin FIG. 1, may be pre-configured or adapted to output data over suchstandard computer cables. One advantage of the two-way input/output port27 is that it can be used to receive data from the data assimilationdevices in one operational mode of the health data tool 10, and used asa data transmitter or receiver port in another operational mode wherethe health care data is uploaded or downloaded into a remote computersystem as will be described in more detail hereafter.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the housing 12 also includes one or morestorage compartments 16 and 19 for storing the data assimilation devicesassociated with health data tool 10. The storage compartment 16 is anopen slot configured for storing the blood pressure cuff 44 folded orrolled into a size that slips into the slot 16. The storage compartment19 is configured to store one or more smaller data assimilation devices,exemplified in FIG. 1 by SPO2 pulse oximeter 42. The interior of storagecompartments 16 or 19 may optionally be equipped with clamps, hooks,Velcro™ or other latching mechanism 21 for securely holding the dataassimilation device within the storage compartment 16 or 19. Inaddition, or alternatively, the storage compartment 19 may be configuredwith a door 18 for enclosing the interior of the compartment 19 with thestored data assimilation device. The door 18 in various embodiments, maybe sliding door, a swinging door, or a removable door.

FIG. 3 illustrates another configuration of the health data tool 10 anddepicting other locations of various storage compartments 19 a and 19 bwith corresponding access doors 18 a and 18 b, which are located on sideedges of the upper portion 15 of the housing 12. Storage compartment 19c with sliding door 18 c is located on the upper surface 13 of thehealth data tool along with the display screen 22. Storage compartment19 d with corresponding access door 18 d is located on the back side ofdownwardly extending handle 14. Accordingly, the storage compartments 16and 19 may be located anywhere in the housing 12 where there is room toaccommodate a compartment without making the overall dimensions of thehealth data tool 10 too large to be comfortably handled by a health careprovider.

The storage compartments 16 and 19 represent one example embodiment ofmeans to associate the data assimilation devices with the health datatool 10 of the invention. Other means are also available. For exampleFIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative means for associating dataassimilation devices 44 and 87 with the health data tool 10. In thisembodiment, a thermistor type temperature probe 87 that is separate fromthe tympanic thermometer 40 is releasably inserted into a receptacle 89situated in the handle 14 of the housing 12. The temperature probe 87 issecured within, and released from, the receptacle 89 by means of closingand opening a latch mechanism 90 provided on the bottom of the handle14. Also in this embodiment, instead of using a slot 16 or compartment18 to store the blood pressure cuff 44, the cuff 44 is rolled and bandedwith an elastic or Velcro TM band 79. The band 79 is attached to a flatspring clip 81 configured to be inserted into a spring receptacle 83that securely holds the blood pressure cuff 44 in place on the handle 14of the health data tool 10 by the tension of the spring clip 81 againstthe wall and ledge of the spring receptacle 83. The blood pressure cuff44 is released from the spring receptacle 83 by operation of springrelease mechanism 85, which compresses the flat spring clip 81 therebyreleasing the tension of the spring from the walls and ledge of thereceptacle.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in some advantageous embodiments, the healthdata tool 10 optionally includes a microphone 54 for collecting soundinformation. The sound information may include for example, oral notesmade by a health care provider or patient or sounds emitted from thepatients body, such as the sound of a heartbeat, organ function or flowof blood. Specialized microphones 54 a or 54 b may be configured withthe stethoscope 48 or the blood pressure device 44 to amplify the soundof the patient's heartbeat, organ function or blood flow. A speaker 56and associated amplifier (not shown) may optionally be associated withthe health data tool to audibly emit the sounds received from themicrophones 54, 54 a or 54 b.

The front surface 13 of the health data tool 10 also includes input keys24 for selecting various functions to be executed by the health datatool 10. The input keys 24 may be touch-screen type input keys asdepicted in FIG. 1 or conventional toggle input keys 24 integrated intothe housing 12 separately from the display screen 22, as depicted inFIGS. 3-6. The display screen 22 is configured to display a plurality ofdifferent types of health care data obtained by the data assimilationdevices and to display commands or status information selected by theinput keys 24. In various embodiments the display screen 22 displayswave form data, alpha numeric data and/or image data.

In an example use, input key 24 a is depressed to select a particulardata assimilation device to acquire health care data. A name or otherdesignation of the selected device is initially displayed on the displayscreen 22 to verify the selection. Toggling of the input key 24Asequentially displays the name of different input devices. The selecteddevice is activated by the health care provider and the health data tool10 is set to acquire and display the selected type of data by depressingenter key 24B. Alternatively, the input ports 27, 29, 31 and 33 may beconfigured with a plug-and-play type of switch to automatically set thehealth data tool for acquiring data from a particular data assimilationdevice when that device is plugged into the appropriate input port. Thehealth care provider then withdraws the necessary data assimilationdevice from its storage location in the housing 12 and, in the case ofdata assimilation devices such as the blood pressure cuffs 44, the SPO2pulse oximeter 42 or finger ECG electrodes 57, dons the instrument onthe patient. Alternatively, in the case of data assimilation devicessuch as the stethoscope 48, thermometer 40, or camera 28, the healthcare provider situates the instrument in the appropriate location toacquire the health care data.

Once donned or situated, the health care provider presses input button24c to begin acquiring the health care data. In the case of a camera 28,the selection of that device activates trigger 25 to function as ashutter release so that when the trigger 25 is depressed, the cameratakes a photo. In any case, the acquired data is displayed on displayscreen 22 in the appropriate form for the selected device. For example,if the selected data assimilation device is the two-finger ECG 57 or ECGlead wire set 50, then the wave form of the electrocardiogram signal isdisplayed on the display screen 22. If the selected data assimilationdevice is a blood pressure device 44, then the systolic and diastolicreadings are displayed in alphanumeric form on the display screen 22.Similarly, if the selected data assimilation device is a thermometer 40,then an alphanumeric representation of temperature is displayed as it isbeing collected. If the selected device is the camera 28, then therecorded digital image is displayed on the display screen.

The health data tool 10 is optionally equipped with a speaker 56associated with the housing 12. If the selected data assimilation deviceis a stethoscope 48, then the sound detected through the stethoscopemicrophone 54 a is amplified and emitted through the speaker 56 topermit the health care provider to listen to the sound and readjust theposition of the stethoscope as needed. Optionally, when the stethoscope48 is selected, depressing input key 24c activates trigger 25 to causethe health data tool 10 to operate in record mode so that if a recordingis desired, depressing the trigger 25 a first time begins the process oftaking a digital sound recording and depressing the trigger 25 a secondtime ends the recording. Similarly, if the selected data assimilationdevice is a voice record, then depressing input key 24c activatesmicrophone 54 to receive voice information and activates trigger 25 tofunction in record mode. Depressing the trigger 25 a first time beginsthe process of taking a digital voice recording and depressing thetrigger 25 a second time ends the voice recording. In certainembodiments, the health data tool may also include a microprocessorprogrammed with voice recognition software to translate the soundrecording into alphanumeric text.

When the data is a sound recording, ECG output, or other time-dependentdata, such data is digitally recorded for a time period that in oneembodiment, is selected by the health care provider. When such timedependent data assimilation devices are selected, input key 24E may beused to select the time period of the recording to store. In analternative embodiment, the time period of the recording is the same asthe time period that results from depressing the input trigger 25 on andoff as described above. Alternatively, the health data tool 10 may bepre-preprogrammed to record and/or store particular types of health caredata for a predetermined increment of time. For example, the health datatool 10 may be pre-programmed to record and store ECG data for a periodof 60 seconds and to record and store stethoscope data for a period of10 seconds.

The operation of the various input keys 24A-24E and trigger 25 describedabove is for exemplary purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the input keys 24 can be programmed to perform thefunctions of the health data tool 10 in a variety of configurations. Forexample, even a single input key 24 can be configured with programmingto select functions from a menu of options displayed on the displayscreen 22. Similarly, the functions of the trigger 25 can beaccomplished using an input key 24. Accordingly, any arrangement ofinput keys 24 that allows the health care provider to operate the healthdata tool 10 to perform any of the functions described herein issuitable for the invention.

Furthermore, the embodiments of the health data tool 10 are describedabove as functioning in a sequential data assimilation mode, whereby onetype of data assimilation device is activated at a time. In otheradvantageous embodiments, multiple data assimilation devices can beselected to simultaneously acquire different types of health care data,in which case the health data tool 10 functions as a multimeter,simultaneously acquiring and displaying a plurality of different data.In such embodiments, multiple devices are selected by sequentiallydepressing select input key 24 a and enter key 24 b. The display screen22 initially displays each selected device in a list when entered. Inone embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, when acquire input key 24 c isdepressed, the display screen 22 is activated to display the differenttypes of data on divided portions of the same display screen 22.Alternatively, multiple screens 22 are used to display different data ondifferent types of screens. In such embodiments, simple alphanumericdata may be displayed on simple low resolution LED display screens,while more information intensive data such as wave form data or imagedata is displayed on a field emission, plasma, or other type of highresolution display screen.

In advantageous embodiments, the health data tool 10 is also equippedwith an electronic memory 60 to store patient information and the healthcare data assimilated through the various data assimilation devicesassociated with the health data tool 10. As depicted in FIG. 1, thememory 60 is shown as a removable memory card, such as a flash memorycard, that is inserted into memory slot 61. However, it is understoodthat the health data tool 10 may be configured with another type ofmemory such as conventional electronic memory 60 integrated within thehousing 12. In an example operation, depressing store data input key 24dfunctions to store the health care data in the memory 60. Alternatively,the health data tool 10 may be programmed to automatically store thedata in memory 60 when acquisition is complete. In an advantageousembodiment, the data is stored in a record structure associated with thepatient identification information acquired using code reader 20. Incertain embodiments, date and time information is automatically providedin the record, and time information is supplied from a clock (not shown)associated with the health data tool 10.

In further advantageous embodiments, the memory 60 stores a plurality ofhealth care data records for a plurality of patients in a databasestructure. In such embodiments, the health care provider can acquiremultiple records from multiple patients, or for the same patient, overthe course of a shift and later upload the recorded information into acentralized database on a remote computer 80, as depicted in FIG. 5,that stores patient records as will be described more fully hereafter.

In certain advantageous embodiments, the health data tool 10 is alsoequipped with one or more data transmission devices 21 and/or datareceiver devices 26. In one embodiment, the data transmitter 21 orreceiver 26 device is a wireless data transmission device. Examplewireless data transmission and receiver devices suitable for theinvention include, but are not limited to, infrared and radio frequencytransmitters and receivers. The data transmitter 21 is used to uploaddata stored in the memory 60 of the health data tool 10 into the remotecomputer system 80 via transmission of the data to remote infrared dataor RF receiver. The data receiver 26 is used to receive an input of datainto the health care tool 10 from a remote wireless data transmitter.Such remote transmitters and receivers are typically situated inindividual rooms where the patient is located, in which case the datacan be transmitted or received simultaneously in a given patient's room.Alternatively, these remote transmitters and receivers may be located ina central location where multiple data records for multiple patients maybe uploaded or downloaded in a single session. Data transmission orreception is accomplished either automatically or by selecting atransmit or receive function from one of the input keys 24, which incertain embodiments, activates trigger 25 to function to initiate datatransfer.

Another embodiment of a data transmission and receiver device is thecomputer input/output port 27. An appropriate data communication cableis attached to the input/output port 27 and to an input/output port forthe central computer system. An advantage of using a standard computerinterface cable is that is adaptable for use with any modifications,upgrades or other changes that are made to the health data tool 10 orthe remote computer system 80.

Data transfer to the remote computer 80 may also be accomplished usingdocking port 51. The docking port 51 is specifically configured to plugthe health data tool 10 into a data transfer port 53 situated in adocking station 65 as depicted in FIG. 5. The docking station 65 has apower supply cord 67 and outputs to a data transmission line 69 fortransferring data between the remote computer system 80 and the datatool 10. In addition, the docking station 65 may include a batteryrecharging port 70 adapted to fit into recharging receptacle 71 in thehealth data tool 10 for recharging the batteries 13 housed therein. Thedocking station 65 may also include a keyboard data receiver port 39,which may be an infrared data port or cable type of port. Textual datamay then be entered and stored into memory in the health data tool 10via keyboard 38 that transmits the data either through the wirelessreceiver 21 associated with the health data tool 10 or through the datareceiver port 39 associated with the docking station 65. In an exemplarypractice, input key 24e is toggled to select a patient record storedinto memory 60. Input select key 24 a is toggled to select “text” data.The health data tool 10 is then activated to receive data entered fromthe keyboard 38, which is displayed in text format on screen 22 andultimately transmitted to the remote computer system 80 with the otherpatient record data stored in the memory 60 of the health data tool 10.

The electronics required to operate the health data tool 10 are locatedwithin the housing 12. The electronics include a microprocessor that isprogrammed to perform the various functions described above for thehealth data tool 10. The operating electronics contains conventionalbusses, clocks, and logic necessary for communication between themicroprocessor, the various data assimilation devices and the memory.The operating electronics also include the required circuitry foroperating the display screen 22 responsively to the data output.

In certain embodiments, the data assimilation devices associated withthe health data tool 10 contain separate microprocessors for convertingthe raw signal detected by transducers in the data assimilation devicesinto meaningful health care data. In these embodiments, only theconverted health care data is input into the health data tool 10,thereby simplifying the electronics and lowering the cost ofmanufacturing the health data tool 10. These embodiments are adaptablefor a wide variety of data assimilation devices now in existence or yetto be devised. In other embodiments, one or more microprocessors housedwithin the health data tool 10 are configured to perform the signal todata conversion functions of the data assimilation devices. In theseembodiments, all or at least a portion of the electronics needed toperform the functions of the various data assimilation devices is alsocontained within the health data tool. Each of the example dataassimilation devices described herein are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art, as is the circuitry required to perform thesignal to data conversion functions of the devices.

The health data tool 10 of the invention is a versatile tool that isprimarily meant to be used for portable applications, such as in takingpatient data during rounds. However, the health data tool 10 may also beused for longer term monitoring. To facilitate both portability and longterm usage, the health data tool may optionally be configured with abelt hook 91 and/or a pole mount 95 illustrated in FIG. 6. The belt hook91 may be advantageously located in the handle 14 of the health datatool 10 and is used to conveniently attach the health data tool 10 to abelt worn by the health care provider. For long term monitoring, thepole mount 95 allows the health data tool to be securely mounted on astandard medical device pole 93 positioned by the patients bed.

The overall structural configuration of the health data tool 10 can beimplemented in numerous other forms as exemplified in FIGS. 7-10. FIG. 7illustrates an “L” shaped configuration where the downwardly extendinghandle 14 is positioned at one end of the upper portion of the housingand perpendicular to the front surface 13 of the health data tool 10.The slot 16 for storing the blood pressure cuff 44 is positioned beneaththe front surface 13 of the housing between the display 22 and thedownwardly extending handle 14. FIG. 8 illustrates a variation on the“L” shaped configuration where a cylindrical blood pressure cuffcompartment 16A is attached to a back surface opposite the front surface13 of the housing 12. FIG. 9 and FIG. 3 illustrate “spearhead”configurations where the downwardly extending handle 14 has an uppersurface that is continuous with the front surface 13 of the housing andupper surface of the housing containing the display 22 is flared at amedial position to define a junction between the handle 14 and the upperportion of the housing 12. FIG. 10 illustrates a “bent-T” shapedconfiguration where the downwardly extending handle 14 extendsdownwardly at an acute angle relative to the upper surface 13 of thehealth data tool 10.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes ofillustration, various modifications may be made without deviating fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is notlimited except as by the following claims.

1. A health data tool for use by a healthcare provider, comprising, ahousing configured to be of a shape, size and weight to permit thehousing to be held in a hand of a human healthcare provider; a codereader associated with the housing configured to read at least one ofinformation pertaining to the patient's identity and informationpertaining to at least one of a drug or device used by the patient; aplurality of input ports for different data assimilation devicesassociated with the housing for inputting different health care dataobtained from a patient into the health data tool; a display screenconfigured to display the health care data obtained from the dataassimilation devices; and at least one of a data transmitter and a datareceiver port configured to at least one of transmit and receive,respectively, the health care data between the health data tool and aremote device separate from the health data tool.
 2. The device of claim1 wherein the code reader is a bar code scanner that reads bar codeinformation.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the code reader is a radioreceiver that that receives a radio signal encoding the information. 4.The device of claim 1 wherein the code reader is an optical characterrecognition device that reads character information.
 5. The device ofclaim 1 wherein the code reader recognizes a pattern of dots encodingthe information.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the housing comprisesan upper portion that houses the display screen and a lower portiondownwardly extending from the upper portion that defines a handledimensioned to fit within the hand of the health care provider.
 7. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the housing includes a plurality of storagecompartments to store the plurality of data assimilation devicesassociated with the housing.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein thehousing includes a plurality of doors providing access to the storagecompartments.
 9. The device of claim 7 wherein at least one of thestorage compartments includes a compartment for holding a blood pressuresleeve.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the blood pressure sleevestorage compartment is configured as a slot within the housing.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein at least one data assimilation devices isremovably attachable to the housing by a spring actuated latch.
 12. Thedevice of claim 1 further comprising an electronic memory associatedwith the housing to store the health care data.
 13. The device of claim12 wherein the electronic memory stores health care data for a pluralityof patients.
 14. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the datatransmitter port and the data receiver port is an infrared data port.15. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of the data transmitterport and the data receiver port is a radio frequency data port.
 16. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein at least one of the data transmitter port andthe data receiver port a computer cable port.
 17. The device of claim 1wherein the remote device is a computer.
 18. The device of claim 1wherein the remote device is a keyboard and the data receiver portreceives data transmitted from the keyboard.
 19. The device of claim 1wherein at least one of the data assimilation devices includes a selfcontained microprocessor to convert signal data obtained from the dataassimilation devices into the health care data.
 20. The device of claim1 wherein the health data tool includes a microprocessor associated withthe tool separate from the data assimilation device that is configuredto convert signal data obtained from the data assimilation devices intothe health care data.
 21. The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality ofdata assimilation devices includes at least two devices selected fromthe group consisting of a thermometer, a pulse meter, an oximeter, ablood pressure measurement device, a stethoscope, a fingerelectrocardiogram unit, a lead wire electrocardiogram wire set, adigital camera, and a microphone.
 22. The device of claim 21 wherein thethermometer is a tympanic temperature type thermometer.
 23. The deviceof claim 21 wherein the thermometer is a thermistor type thermometer.24. The device of claim 1 further including a plurality of input keysassociated with health data tool, the input keys configured to at leastone of: input patient identity information obtained from the codereader, select a type of health care data to be obtained, review a typeof health care data obtained, display a type of health care dataobtained, receive a transmission of data from a remote transmitter,transmit data to a remote receiver, upload information from remotecomputer and download information to a remote computer.
 25. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the health data tool includes a camera associatedwith the housing and configured to record a digital photograph.
 26. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the display is configured to display a picturestored in a digital picture file.
 27. The device of claim 1 wherein thedisplay screen is configured to display a wave form.
 28. The device ofclaim 27 wherein the wave form depicts at least one of an electricalcardiogram and a pulse.
 29. The device of claim 1 wherein the healthdata tool includes a microphone associated with the housing andconfigured to record digital sound information.
 30. The device of claim29 wherein the health data tool includes a speaker associated therewithconfigured to emit an audible sound from at least one of: sound receivedby the microphone or sound digitally recorded in a sound file.
 31. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the housing stores an air compressorconfigured for operating a blood pressure cuff.
 32. The device of claim1 wherein the housing stores a hand pump configured for operating ablood pressure cuff.
 33. The device of claim 1 wherein the health datatool is powered by a rechargeable battery and the housing furtherincludes a power port associated therewith configured to pass a chargefrom a battery charger to the rechargeable battery.
 34. A dockingstation configured to dock the device of claim 32 comprising a chargingport for charging the battery and optionally including a data port fortransferring data between the health data tool and the remote device.35. The device of claim 1 wherein the health data tool further includesan attachment device associated with the housing to attach the healthdata tool to a storage location.
 36. The device of claim 1 wherein theattachment device includes a hook configured to hang the health datatool on a belt.
 37. The device of claim 1 wherein the attachment deviceincludes a clamp configured to mount the health data tool on at leastone of a pole or rail.